missing cd rom drive in my comptuer

i have a desktop computer..tryin to put on a fresh copy of win xp pro and computer does not recognize cd drive.... device manager gives and explanation mark and code 39 error.... try and delete driver. and reinstall.. does pick up new hardware.. but when reinstall... still gives code 39 error.... would love to put on a fresh copy of xp but can't without cd drive. Any suggestions...had read where you can delete filters... but when check regedit.. no filters... has anyone else come across this problemmm and have a solution... tks